Thesis (M.S. in Contract Management)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): Ron B. Tucker, Peter J. Proko. Includes bibliographical references (p. 89-90). Also available online.

Challenging economic conditions have led local governments to explore alternative methods to deliver public services to residents. This thesis explores historical contracting out trends and offers new research about contracting out activity by local jurisdictions in the state of Florida. Through an e-survey, the new data examines if cities and counties in Florida increased contracting out activity of public services in response to a declining economic environment and changes in population growth trends. This elaborate and multifaceted task is accomplished through a deliberate interdisciplinary research approach. The literature review consists of well-known publication responsible for creating the foundation of contracting out research, which has been covered often in previous research. However, this thesis also spans across customary research approaches by including recent news coverage from non-traditional sources, extensive analysis of the most recent United States economic recession, and a close examination of the specific changes that transpired in Florida. It covers publication from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC). It also covers data from sources focused on Florida such as the Bureau of Economic Business Research (BEBR, Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), and the Florida League of Cities (FLC). Combined with a comprehensive literature review, the research explores whether two explanatory factors (population growth changes and fiscal pressures) were drivers of contracting out decisions by Florida counties and cities during the 2007-2009 recession.

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Politics and Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

M. Tech. Business Administration / Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is an institution of higher learning that was established in 2004 as a result of merger of three independent institutions. TUT Directorate of Accommodation Residence Life and Catering has outsourced the entire university student catering division which includes its restaurants, dining halls, tuck-shops, kiosks and a sports bar. Due to the many and recent student protests against the services delivered by contracted firms, there is a need to gain a better understanding of what, specifically, the students are unhappy about. To this end it is sensible to assess this situation, by means of a survey, which is intended to investigate students' levels of satisfaction with various aspects of the catering division. This study intends therefore, to determine the impact of outsourcing on one university service area, namely, catering, by assessing levels of student satisfaction in this area.

M.Tech. Business Administration. Business School. / This research study investigated the strategic business processes involved in make-or-buy decisions at Dalein Feeds from a theoretical and practical perspective. The main aim of study was to develop a make-or-buy decision making framework, and then comment on and provide recommendations for Dalein Feeds with regards to the make-or-buy options of certain products which were under review. The research study ends with a conclusion and recommendations as to how this framework should be used by the decision makers of the company.

M.Tech. Business Administration. Business School. / The purpose of this research is to assess which factors are critical to realize success in an Information Technology (IT) outsourcing relationship. The study assessed the applicability of the Relationship Quality (RELQUAL) model dimensions as relevant constructs that leads to relationship success and relationship retention on an existing IT outsourcing relationship. Emphasis was placed on the intangible factors which are trust, commitment, communication, cultural understanding and interdependence. This research was conducted within the context of the South African business environment.

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management